Permanently Unlocking Cell Phones (H.R. 1892)

What is H.R. 1892?

(Updated December 7, 2017)

Makes it permanently legal to jailbreak cell phones and tablets. From 2006 to 2012, cell phone unlocking was legal due to a Library of Congress exemption under the DMCA, or Digital Millennium Copyright Act. In January 2013, cell phone unlocking officially became illegal again. According to Digital Trends, "customers who wished to unlock their device would have to receive permission from their wireless service provider to avoid breaking the law. Unlocking without carrier permission potentially carried hefty fines – up to $2,500 per illegally unlocked device."

Argument in favor

Gives more power to the consumer. Offers permanent solution to an issue that currently requires new legislation every three years.

Argument opposed

"Permanent fix" could backfire or demand alterations as technology evolves.

Impact

Would affect cell phone carriers and their customers.

Cost of H.R. 1892

A CBO cost estimate is not available at this time, though any significant effect on discretionary spending is unlikely.

Additional Info

Media:

Digital Trends 

InfoJustice: The Cell Phone Unblocking Saga

ThinkProgress: How Banning Companies Unlocking Cell Phones Hurts the Poor

Wikipedia

Of Note:

-One of the chief, competing pieces of legislation being considered in regard to phone unlocking is the Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Act. Perhaps the largest differences between this bill and its competitor are a) this bill would provide a way for phone unlocking to not have to considered anew every few years, and b) there is no prohibition for bulk unlocking: the acquiring of phones from multiple sellers, unlocking them, and reselling them.